Jim Steinmans’s award-winning musical Bat Out Of Hell is a high octane mix of music and dance which explodes onto the stage to tell a turbulent story of love and heartbreak.

Die-hard Meat Loaf fans were evident at the opening performance at Stoke's Regent Theatre - as were the Harley Davidson Owners group (HOG) who had their fabulous bikes all lined up outside the venue.  A spectacular welcome to the show - and something which is done all over the country when Bat Out Of Hell is in town!

The story opens with typical teenage angst about love and life. Raven is just about to turn eighteen and she wants to feel the excitement of running free with local bad boy Strat and his renegade gang. Unsurprisingly her folks don’t feel the same way and a fight between parents wanting to protect their baby, and the baby wanting to fly the nest, begins.  Kate Tonkinson is sensational as Raven  - a girl with a coy demeaner yet steely determination to get what she wants. Throughout, Tonkinson showcased her fabulous vocal talents and powerful stage presence. Glenn Adamson plays Raven's love interest, Strat. Adamson is phenomenal and his energy tangible. He may be the leader of the gang but he is in love with Raven and his tenderness shines through his tough exterior. Their journey to be together must navigate many obstacles but true love usually wins out…

Rob Fowler as Falco and Sharon Sexton as Sloan are equally impressive as they depict their own love journey whilst trying desperately to parent Raven. Both deliver some memorable scenes alongside iconic songs performed with passion. The anthems roll throughout including I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That), Paradise By The Dashboard Light, Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad, Dead Ringer For Love and the incredible Bat Out Of Hell.   

With a full orchestra on stage, an awesome urban street set with multilevel and audio-visual additions, and impressive lighting effects, Bat Out Of Hell is a full-on production packed with exciting elements.  The supporting cast - including Georgia Bradshaw as the sassy Zahara and Carla Bertran as the tempestuous Tink, are all top class - as is the choreography by Xena Gusthart and musical direction by Iestyn Griffiths. 

Bat Out Of Hell the musical is a rock ‘n’ roll dream and a biker’s delight!  Not to be missed if you like a night of wild and raucous musical theatre.

Four stars

Reviewed by Carol Lovatt at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, on Monday 30 June. Bat Out Of Hell continues to show at the venue until Saturday 5 July. The production returns to the region to play Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Monday 14 to Saturday 19 July.